Citrix Virtual Apps
Citrix Virtual Apps is an on-demand virtual application delivery solution that comprises application virtualization and session virtualization technologies.
Understanding application virtualization
Citrix application virtualization technology isolates applications from the underlying operating system and from other applications to increase compatibility and manageability. As a modern application delivery solution, Citrix Virtual Apps virtualizes applications via integrated application streaming and isolation technology. This application virtualization technology enables applications to be streamed from a centralized location into an isolation environment on the target device where they will execute. With Citrix Virtual Apps, applications are not installed in the traditional sense. The application files, configuration, and settings are copied to the target device and the application execution at run time is controlled by the application virtualization layer. When executed, the application run time believes that it is interfacing directly with the operating system when, in fact, it is interfacing with a virtualization environment that proxies all requests to the operating system.
Citrix Virtual Apps is unique in that it is a complete system for virtual application delivery, offering both online and offline application access through a combination of application hosting and application streaming directly to user devices. When users request an application, Citrix Virtual Apps determines if their device is compatible and capable of running the application in question. The minimum requirements of a target device are a compatible Windows® operating system and appropriate Citrix client software. If the user device meets minimum requirements, then Citrix Virtual Apps initiates application virtualization via application streaming directly into an isolated environment on the user’s device. In the event that the user device is not capable of running a particular application, Citrix Virtual Apps initiates session virtualization.
Understanding session virtualization
Session virtualization uses application streaming to deliver applications to hosting servers in the datacenter. Citrix Virtual Apps then connects the user to the server to which the application has been delivered. The application then executes entirely on the server. The user interacts with the application remotely by sending mouse-clicks and keystrokes to the server. The server then responds by sending screen updates back to the user’s device. Whereas application virtualization is limited to Windows-based operating systems, session virtualization via Citrix Virtual Apps allows any user on any operating system to access any application delivered by IT. As a result, Citrix Virtual Apps enables Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android devices to run any applications using session virtualization. Furthermore, session virtualization leverages server-side processing power which liberates IT from the endless cycle of PC hardware refreshes which are typically needed to support application upgrades when using traditional application deployment methods.
Using application virtualization and session virtualization together
In both application virtualization and session virtualization, user interaction with the application is seamless. Printers, drives, peripherals, and even the clipboard work in the exact same manner as if the application were installed. As a result, Citrix Virtual Apps reduces the cost of application management and related costs by up to 50 percent and enables a better-than-installed experience for users when compared to traditional application deployment models.
Micro Focus Desktop Containers
— Micro Focus
Micro Focus Desktop Containers helps you overcome the challenges associated with application conflicts and the ever changing desktop and browser landscape by allowing you to create applications that can be packaged once, and run on any Windows XP or higher device. These applications can then be given to users on a USB stick, through a file share, or from an endpoint management tool like ZENworks®. Or you can host applications on the included web portal.
Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V)
— Microsoft
Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) can make applications available to end user computers without having to install the applications directly on those computers. This is made possible through a process known as sequencing the application, which enables each application to run in its own self-contained virtual environment on the client computer. The sequenced applications are isolated from each other. This eliminates application conflicts, but the applications can still interact with the client computer.
Systancia AppliDis Fusion
— Syntactia
AppliDis Fusion 5 is a unified virtualisation solution which allows you to provide access to applications and Windows desktops, meeting the requirements of applications and desktop virtualisation. Standard VDI meets most users’ needs, and extended VDI available for those more complex requirements, such as training rooms or VIP access. AppliDis Fusion 5 enables employees to work remotely, from either within or outside of their organisation, ensuring the portability of their applications with any device.
